Report draws mixed reviews

Lutheran, The, Mar 2005

ELCA Sexuality Studies

Many on both sides of the homosexuality issue looked forward to clear direction from the recommendations of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality (February, page 48). But their release on Jan. 13 seems to have raised more questions and new concerns, according to responses The Lutheran received from several ELCA members whose perspectives we requested and some who responded to our online request. (see www.thelutheran. org/0503/sexuality.html for more comments.)

The 2001 ChurchwideAsssembly called for a report and recommendations on the questions of blessing same-sex unions and including people in such unions on the ELCA ministry rosters. In August the 2005 Church wide Assembly will receive these and act on ELCA Church Council resolutions concerning their content. The full report is at www. elca.org/faithfuljourney/tfreport. The three recommendations included in it are:

* Recommendation One

"Because the God-given mission and communion we share is at least as important as the issues about which faithful conscience-bound Lutherans find themselves so decisively at odds, the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality recommends that the [ELCA] concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of our disagreements."

* Recommendation Two

"The Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality recommends that the [ELCA] continue to respect the pastoral guidance of the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops (We, as the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, recognize that there is basis neither in Scripture nor tradition for the establishment of an official ceremony by this church for the blessing of a homosexual relationship. We, therefore, do not approve such a ceremony as an official action of this church's ministry. Nevertheless, we express trust in and will continue dialogue with those pastors and congregations who are in ministry with gay and lesbian persons, and affirm their desire to explore the best ways to provide pastoral care for all to whom they minister)."

* Recommendation Three

"The Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality recommends that the [ELCA] continue under the standards regarding sexual conduct for rostered leaders as set for in Vision and Expectations and Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline, but that, as a pastoral response to the deep divisions among us, this church may choose to refrain from disciplining those who in good conscience, and for the sake of outreach, ministry, and the commitment to continuing dialogue, call or approve partnered gay or lesbian candidates whom they believe to be otherwise in compliance with Vision and Expectations and to refrain from disciplining those rostered people so approved and called."

Herbert W. Chilstrom ELCA presiding bishop, 1988 to 1994; St. Peter, Minn.

I care about the unity of our church. I care about the mission of congregations in a variety of settings. And I care about the hundreds of homosexual sisters and brothers in Christ-and their families-whom I have come to know over the past 30 years. I'm disappointed that the task force could not have been more positive in recommendations two and three.

Recommendation two seems to say to pastors: "Do not bless same-gender relationships. But if you must, we will not discipline you."

I wish we could say instead: "Bless, because it is good for these members of the body of Christ. It is good for us all."

Recommendation three seems to say to congregations: "We urge you not to call a qualified pastor who is in a same-gender relationship. But if you do, we will not necessarily remove you from our fellowship."

I wish we could say instead: "Call, if the Spirit leads you to believe this is the right person for your congregation. It is good for you. It is good for us all."

Due to my commitment to the gospel, my understanding of Scripture and the voice of my conscience, I grieve that the report suggests that my brothers and sisters in Christ in faithful, same-gender relationships can't be full partners in the ELCA. In the spirit of recommendation one, I will continue to "concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of our differences."

A person living in hope Name withheld at request of the writer who has children

I wish I could say the ELCA will be making an informed decision, but I can't. The 2001 Churchwide Assembly mandated a "study [that would include] ... scientific ... material on homosexuality." The task force produced its study with minimal scientific content. This is disturbing because I have experienced healing from unwanted homosexuality. I've come to understand my condition through therapists well versed in science. If I were left with only the information from the study, I would still be a practicing homosexual.

Whether one agrees or disagrees, people have the right to know about psychological terms like "triangular system," "defensive detachment" and "ambivalence;" the disparity between much of what one hears anecdotally and what one finds through research data; research demonstrating how sexuality is on a continuum and changeable, not static; Robert Spitzer's research; and how healing is about "change," not "cure," and why that's OK for so many.